School notes: Academic camp; Renaissance Festival; Praeceptor Award

Academic camp: Attend an open house from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 14 for the Academic Aftercare Summer Camp at Academic Aftercare, 4030 Henderson Blvd. Half or full-day weekly classes are offered from June 11 through Aug. 10. Any student going into kindergarten through sixth grade is invited for tours, refreshments, raffles, face painting, special discounted camp offers and goodie bags for students who register (while supplies last). For a camp form and course descriptions, go to academicaftercare.com or call (813) 873-2626 to have one emailed to you.

Ren Fest free for students: The Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI has offered free tickets to students 12 and younger from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties for its final weekend. Students need to show a report card or student ID at the gate to receive their ticket. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at 11315 N 46th St. Call (813) 983-0111.

Nominate a winner: Nominations to recognize the top special needs teacher in Hillsborough for the 17th Annual Praeceptor Award competition are due by Monday. Teachers may be nominated by their peers, family, students, parents or themselves. Nomination instructions are available at www.hdcinc.org.

The Praeceptor award is presented to a Hillsborough County teacher who follows the principles of behavior analysis and the Human Development Center in teaching children with special needs to achieve as much independence as possible challenges them to attain high levels of success. Any Hillsborough teacher actively engaged in teaching exceptional student education is eligible. First place is $5,000 in cash and the Praeceptor Iceberg Trophy.

Founded in 1978, the Human Development Center is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting independence in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities, autism and mental health disorders.

The 17th Annual Praeceptor Award event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 17 at Latam at the Centro Restaurant, 1913 Nebraska Ave. The evening will consist of dinner and the presentation of awards.